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Chris Hughton reports that Dimitar Berbatov is closing in on fitness and may return for Sunday's clash against Fulham.

Chris Hughton reports that Dimitar Berbatov is closing in on fitness and may return for Sunday's clash against Fulham.

The striker suffered a groin injury on international duty with Bulgaria on September 2, forcing him out of last weekend's trip to Manchester United and the UEFA Cup first round, first leg in Slavia Prague.

Aaron Lennon (knee) is out but the news is more positive on Danny Murphy (calf) and Hossam Ghaly (groin).

"We've come through unscathed from Slavia Prague, so that's good news to start," reported assistant boss Chris before training on Friday.

"Berbatov was very close to fitness and travelled with us to Prague but wasn't quite ready, so he's one we'll monitor and hopefully he'll be in the frame for the weekend.

"Most people are aware now that Aaron Lennon will be out and in terms of players who didn't travel to Slavia, Danny Murphy will be fit and Hossam Ghaly has trained today (Friday) and will be very close."